Needless care home deaths can be prevented if staff get safety kit, says UNISON

Responding to figures published today (Tuesday) by the Office for National Statistics showing care home deaths linked to coronavirus have increased by more than 2,500 in a week, UNISON assistant general secretary Christina McAnea said:
“Each of these deaths is a tragedy for the families who have lost a loved one.
“It’s not too late to save lives. The rate of infection can be reduced if care workers have proper access to protective kit.
“This would help stop the virus spreading between residents or being brought in from outside.
“But this can only happen if the government and employers ensure workers get the personal protective equipment they need. Testing also needs to be rolled out rapidly.”
Notes to editors:
-The union has launched a petition demanding the government step up and deliver on its promises around PPE and do much more to protect care staff and elderly people.
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services – in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in both the public, voluntary and private sectors.
Media contacts:
Sophie Goodchild M: 07767 325595 E: [e-mail]
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: [e-mail]
The article Needless care home deaths can be prevented if staff get safety kit, says UNISON first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Source: UNISON Health care news - May 5, 2020 Category: UK Health Authors: Sophie Goodchild Tags: News Press release care homes coronavirus deaths PPE Source Type: news